Thinkers Beliefs Why ideas are considered radical

How are their ideas related to Classical Liberalism

Do they represent my own view points and if so why

Hobbes Humans are naturally selfish

Could live in peace by giving up their political rights to a ruler

Ruler would protect them

If the leader did not protect the citizens, they could over throw him

He valued the worth and protection of individual subjects

Believed in a Social contract

He emphasized on the best interests of individuals (even under a strong political authority) reflects the importance of rights and freedoms

Social contract implies a degree of accountability

Yes and No. I do agree that there has to be some power helping run a nation. But the individual should still be involved.

Locke Focused on Reason and logic to determine actions

Believed humans had inalienable natural rights (Life, liberty, security, private property)

Government accountability to the people

Ownership and protection of private property

Believed in a Social contract

Advocated for rule of law and protection of civil liberties, rights, and freedoms are under a constitution

Yes, I agree with the protection of civil liberties, rights and freedoms under a constitution as well as embracing ownership and protecting private property.

Montesquieu Separation of executive legislative and judicial branches of government

This would keep the government accountable

Wanted to eliminate the French monarchy

Placed high importance on the rule of law, the constitutional limitations on government, and the primacy of individual rights and freedoms

Yes, I agree with the importance of individual rights and freedoms and that the government should defiantly not have complete control over a nation.

Smith Believed if individuals were free to make their own decisions in a free market, their self-interest (invisible hand) would benefit society as a whole

Opposition to the current economic system (mercantilism)

Free market and limited govt. role in the economy were controversial ideas

Economic ideas are directly related to economic freedom, self interest, competition, and private property

Ideas also tied to rule of law (contracts) and individual rights and freedoms

Yes, I agree with economic freedom, self interest, competition and private property, but still believe there has to be some direction given from the government.

Mill Believed in individual rights and freedoms as well as free speech

Only limitation should be if one’s actions could harm another

Emphasis on rights and freedoms in an era where these rights were restricted

Individual rights and freedoms

Yes, I defiantly agree with the ideas of Freedoms like free speech and that Freedoms should only be limited if one’s actions could harm others.

Ricardo The wages paid to workers should be determined by supply and demand for their skills

Government should not regulate this at all

Capitalist economic principles without government interference was controversial

Self-interest, competition, and economic freedom

Yes and No. I Agree with the Self interest, competition and economic freedom, but not to the extent that the government is not involved at all.